The symptoms of anorexia can be obvious or hidden, but knowing them will help you to catch this deadly disease and help yourself or the patient. It is important to recognize anorexia symptoms as early as possible for the most likelihood of successful treatment. Below you will find basic information about this eating disorder.

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

One of the most obvious signs of anorexia nervosa is a sudden drop in body weight (at least 15% below the person's normal weight) along with increased concern over body image, weight, and food intake. What makes anorexia symptoms so difficult to treat is that they are rooted in psychological problems (causes of anorexia). Some of these psychological problems can also come across as symptoms of anorexia. For example, a common sign of anorexia is an irrational fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. While the fear is obviously irrational, in the minds of the afflicted these thoughts are very real. They act out in the manner that they do in relation to food as a way of ensuring that this irrational fear never comes to light.

Individuals suffering from anorexia often have an incredibly distorted self-image; whereby, they do not see themselves as others do. They see themselves as fat regardless of how thin they actually are, and they resort to desperate measures to continue to lose weight. These individuals exhibit an above-normal concern over their appearances, but will ignore or disbelieve anyone who tries to tell them that they are too thin.

This obsession manifests itself physically in a number of ways that are key signs of anorexia. This manifestation includes strictly-regimented, nutrient-deficient diets, and the individual may or may not exercise excessively. Another way this obsession may manifest is with purging. Purging is where the afflicted will regurgitate everything they eat in order to keep from gaining weight. These individuals will often place themselves on extreme diets in spite of their already dangerously low weight and may obsessively track of every single morsel that crosses their lips.

Indirect symptoms that occur as a result of malnutrition, too much exercise, or excessive vomiting are often the first anorexia symptoms, aside from excessive weight loss, that an "outsider" is likely to notice. Malnutrition manifests physically in a number of ways. To the afflicted, it could cause problems with balance and a lack of energy, loss of menstrual period, constipation, and an irregular heart rate.

One anorexia sign that an outsider may notice is a change to and dullness in the pallor of the individual's skin. Their hair is also likely to be weak and brittle, and may even be thinning in areas.¹

Symptoms and "Expressions" of Anorexia Nervosa

The signs of anorexia often manifest themselves in either one of two forms, which should be looked at in greater detail. These are either the "restrictive type" or the "binge eating/purging" type.²

• Restricting Type Anorexia
  Individuals who suffer from this form of anorexia have an unhealthy and unnatural obsession with their food intake. They will put themselves on highly-restrictive diets and put themselves through complicated fasting regimes regardless of their weight. A common restricting type anorexia symptom is a preoccupation with calories and excessive tracking of food intake.
• Binge Eating/Purging Type
  This type of anorexia usually involves restricting food take but also includes the elimination of food from the body by unnatural means such as self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives and diuretics. Those afflicted with this form of anorexia may engage in sessions of binge eating, where they eat huge quantities of food before purging it from their system using one of the means described above. Not all purging type anorexics are binge eaters. Some merely display the anorexia symptom of purging food taken in.

Knowing these signs and symptoms of anorexia will enable immediate help, which is necessary to catch and reverse the devastating effects of this disease.

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An anorexia test can help a person who is asking "Am I anorexic?" Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by difficulty in maintaining healthy body weight and a fear of gaining weight. Anorexia must be treated early in order to minimize the risk of long-term health problems or even death caused by the illness (complications of anorexia). There is no single test for anorexia nervosa, or screening measure used to diagnose eating disorders. However, the illness often has a substantial effect on health and eating habits, which may be revealed through a questionnaire such as an anorexia test.

Take Anorexia Test and Share Concerns With Your Doctor

If you are wondering "Am I anorexic?" this anorexia nervosa test will help you determine whether you may need professional attention for an eating disorder. Answer the questions honestly, not the way you'd like to be or the way you used to be. Think about your daily life, answering "yes" or "no" to the following:

1. Do family members or friends comment about your weight loss or express their concern that you might be too thin? Do you continue to feel fat or overweight even though others say you are too thin?
2. Have friends or family members commented that you eat very little? Do you feel angry when others show an interest in what you've eaten or pressure you to consume more food?
3. Have you been told by a medical professional that you should gain weight?
4. Is it important to you that you are thinner than all of your friends? Do you feel a competitive or perfectionist urge to lose weight?
5. Are your eating habits different from those of your family and friends? Do you have secretive eating habits? For example, do you prefer to eat by yourself, where you feel that no one will see you eating? Cut your food into tiny pieces so that it looks like you've eaten more or hide food so that others will think you've eaten it?
6. Do you make excuses to avoid eating? For example, do you say that you already ate, that you already feel full, or you're not feeling well, in order to avoid feeling pressured by your friends and family to eat?
7. Looking at your body in the mirror, can you notice hip bones or individual ribs sticking out?
8. Do you regularly find yourself fatigued or unable to concentrate?
9. Does the idea of eating fill you with anxiety? Do you often think about food throughout the day, or worry about what you will eat or will not eat? Has thinking about food and weight loss begun to consume your life?
10. Do you find it difficult to eat three complete meals (consisting of normal 6-8 ounce servings of meat, vegetables, and grains) each day? Do you feel guilty when you eat three full meals in a day?
11. Do you avoid eating a full meal, or go through long periods of time without eating (known as fasting), as a way to control your weight?
12. Do you exercise more than an hour per day, 3-4 days per week, in order to control your weight? Do you think about the calories being burned while you work out? Do you become anxious if you miss a workout, or work out excessively the next chance you get to make up for it?
13. Have you used diuretics or laxatives as a way to avoid weight gain?
14. Would you panic if you stepped on the scale and found out that you had gained weight? Do you have an overwhelming fear of gaining weight?
15. Do you avoid talking to others about food, eating habits, or weight loss because you are afraid that no one will understand or share your feelings?

Has this test helped you answer the question: "Am I anorexic?" You can print out this test and share the results with your doctor or therapist. Remember, only a doctor or therapist can diagnose anorexia. This test is just a starting point.

"Am I Anorexic?" Score the Anorexia Test

Have you answered "yes" to any of the above anorexia test questions? If so, watch your eating behaviors over the next several months, and consider consulting with a doctor. You may have anorexia or be in danger of developing an eating disorder. Changing the behavioral patterns included in this anorexia nervosa test is easiest when the problem is detected early.

If you answered "yes" to four or more questions on this anorexia test, schedule an appointment with your doctor, and ask a trusted family member or friend to help you monitor your eating habits.

Those who answered "yes" to six or more questions should go to the doctor for a complete examination in order to rule out an eating disorder. The doctor may ask you questions similar to those on this anorexia test, or conduct medical testing to determine whether you may have an eating disorder. You can find information on where to get help for an eating disorder.

See Also

• I Need Mental Help: Where to Find Mental Health Help
• What is Anorexia Nervosa? Basic Information About Anorexia
• Suggested Medical Tests: Diagnosis of Eating Disorder
• Anorexia Support Groups FAQ

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What are the causes of anorexia? Why is it so pervasive? In the United States, about 1 million men and 7 million women suffer from eating disorders. There is no single cause of eating disorders such as anorexia, although concerns about weight and body image are involved in all eating disorders. The causes of anorexia nervosa can include factors that are genetic, cultural, environmental, and biological.

Biological Causes of Anorexia

The body's HPA, or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is believed to play an important role in many types of eating disorders. A complex system within the brain, it controls behaviors such as eating and regulates hunger, thirst, and hormone secretion. This system releases chemical neurotransmitters to regulate appetite and mood. Abnormalities in these chemical messengers - particularly dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, may be underlying causes of anorexia nervosa. Imbalances in these chemicals can help to explain why those with anorexia do not experience pleasure from eating food. This may be one biological cause of anorexia nervosa.¹

Genetic Anorexia Causes

Anorexia is eight times more common when relatives have been also diagnosed with anorexia. It is believed that if a girl has at least one anorexic sibling, she is as many as 10 to 20 times more likely to develop anorexia herself. Specific chromosomes have been identified that may play a role in the development of anorexia or bulimia, and it has been found that twins have a tendency to share eating disorders. Anorexia also appears more often in those with a family history of depression or alcohol abuse. While a genetic predisposition does not mean that you will develop an eating disorder, it is one of many possible causes of anorexia. 

Risk Factors and Causes of Anorexia

Anorexia is much more common in females than in males. About 90 to 95 percent of patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are female. The reasons behind this are not well understood. Eating disorders are more likely to be diagnosed in teens and young adults, although they are becoming more common in children. Early puberty, which appears to be linked to eating disorders and other emotional issues for girls, is another of the possible anorexia causes.

Life Transitions as Potential Cause of Anorexia

In those who are already vulnerable to eating disorders due to the listed causes of anorexia, life transitions can trigger the development of anorexia nervosa. These include the beginning of adolescence, the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or increased stress at school or work.

Environmental Causes of Anorexia

Some anorexia causes appear linked to the family environment. Families of those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa tend to be overprotective and rigid. Patients may describe their family style as being "suffocatingly" close, causing anorexia to develop out of a struggle for independence. Anorexia caused by such factors is likely to develop in adolescence. Parents who place a high value on appearance and thinness by dieting themselves or criticizing their children's appearance can contribute to the development of anorexia, as can family environments involving physical or sexual abuse. Participation in activities requiring a slender figure, such as ballet or modeling, is one of the possible causes of anorexia nervosa.²

Cultural Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

In many societies, thinness is equated with beauty, causing women to feel cultural pressure to be slender. Cultural causes of anorexia can include media images creating unrealistic body image expectations. Depictions of thin celebrities result in a distorted picture of healthy weight. As a result, women may diet or try other methods to achieve an ultra-thin body shape, which is almost impossible for most women to achieve given the biological factors that determine body shape. As a result, women may become dissatisfied with their natural and healthy body weight. Meanwhile, high-calorie junk food is marketed aggressively, resulting in contradictory and confusing messages from the media.

Psychological Issues That May Lead to Anorexia

Those who have been diagnosed with eating disorders tend to share some personality and behavioral traits. It is not clear if these are anorexia causes, if they share common biological causes with anorexia, or if they or increase susceptibility to eating disorders. These traits include low self-esteem, poor body image, rigid thinking patterns, need for control or perfection, problems with self-direction, and dependency. Those with anorexia tend to be perfectionists or overachievers, focused on excelling in everything they do. They tend to view themselves critically.

Personality and Body Image Disorders that Cause Anorexia

Some psychiatric personality disorders may be causes of anorexia nervosa. These include avoidant personalities, obsessive-compulsive personalities, narcissistic personalities, and borderline personality disorder. Depression is also common in patients diagnosed with an eating disorder. Body image disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), can cause a distorted body view. This disorder can be caused by psychological, social, or biologic factors, and is often associated with anorexia and other eating disorders.

While anorexia health problems, including the emotional and physical consequences of anorexia, can be devastating, it is a treatable illness. Treating eating disorders requires a three-part approach to restore the patient to a healthy weight, treat the psychological causes of anorexia, and reduce or eliminate behaviors and thoughts that led to the eating disorder.

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Anorexia nervosa (anorexia information), a serious eating disorder, can have dire medical complications. The severe restriction of calories does not provide the body the fuel needed to function normally. As a result, it goes into starvation mode, conserving energy by shutting down non-essential processes. Anorexia health problems include a range of medical and psychological conditions, some of which are life-threatening.

Anorexia Health Problems

The first physical signs of anorexia include:

• lack of energy
• weakness
• fatigue
• feeling cold all of the time

Other physical effects of eating disorders include loss of menstrual periods in women and skin that becomes yellowed and dry. If the disorder remains untreated, further anorexia health problems will occur, such as:

• abdominal pain
• constipation
• growth of fine hair covering the body and face

Additional physical effects and complications of anorexia include insomnia, restlessness, headaches, dizziness and fainting. The malnutrition caused by a severely restricted diet causes damage to the teeth, gums, esophagus and larynx.

As the behaviors associated with anorexia continue and more body fat is lost, the medical complications become more severe. The anorexia complications can progress into heart problems, kidney damage, and even death. Conditions causing death in those with extreme anorexia include heart disease and multi-organ failure, which happens in very late stages of anorexia and is typically caused by high levels of liver enzymes in the blood.

Anorexia Health Problems Affecting the Heart

Heart disease is the most common medical cause of death for those with severe anorexia nervosa. Anorexia can cause a range of heart effects, including slow heart rhythms. Known as bradycardia, this symptom even shows up in teens with anorexia. A heart rate under 60 beats per minute leads to reduced blood flow and dangerously low blood pressure. The heart is significantly affected by the loss of minerals due to reduced consumption of food, leading to electrolyte imbalance. Many of these electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium, are essential for regulating the heartbeat. Unless the fluids and minerals are replaced quickly, electrolyte imbalance can be a serious, life-threatening condition.

Other blood problems are also common, including anemia, caused by low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Extreme anorexia causes the bone marrow to reduce the production of blood cells. This life-threatening complication of anorexia is known as pancytopenia.¹

Hormone Changes Caused by Anorexia

Hormonal changes are one of the most serious health complications of anorexia. Changes in hormones that regulate growth, stress, thyroid function, and reproduction have wide-ranging consequences. Long-term, anorexia can result in stunted growth, hair loss, infertility, bone loss (osteoporosis), and irregular or absent menstruation.

Bone loss, including loss of bone calcium or bone density, is one of the most common anorexia health problems, affecting nearly 90 percent of women with anorexia. Children and teens with anorexia fail to develop strong bones and face stunted growth due to malnutrition during critical growth stages. Weight gain will not completely restore the bone, and the longer the eating disorder persists, the more bone damage is likely.

Complications of Anorexia Affecting Fertility and Pregnancy

In cases of severe anorexia, patients may never regain normal menstrual cycles. If women with anorexia become pregnant before returning to a normal weight, risks include increased incidences of miscarriage, cesarean section, and postpartum depression. Her child is at risk of low birth weight and birth defects.

Complications of Anorexia with Type 1 Diabetes

Eating disorders are particularly serious for those who also have Type 1 diabetes, which is significantly affected by the low blood sugar caused by skipping meals. Some patients may skip daily insulin in order to further reduce their caloric intake, resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels, which can cause coma or death.

Neurological Symptoms of Anorexia

Severe anorexia can cause nerve damage, resulting in conditions such as seizures, disordered thinking or strange sensations in the feet or hands. Brain scans provide evidence that parts of the brain may undergo permanent or long-term structural changes due anorexia.

Psychological Complications of Anorexia

Although the physical complications of anorexia are most visible, it is important not to overlook the possible emotional and psychological effects of this disorder. Those who are living with anorexia often develop severe mood swings, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Eating disorders are also tied to feelings of anxiety or guilt. Those with anorexia will often isolate themselves from others in order to hide their eating habits and the extent of the problem. They may feel out of control or helpless to do anything about the problem. Anorexia is also tied to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Because of changes in the brain as a result of long-term anorexia, patients with this eating disorder may have difficulty weighing priorities and making logical choices.

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Those seeking treatment of anorexia know that it can have devastating physical and emotional consequences. The first step in getting anorexia treatment is scheduling a doctor visit. The doctor will make an official diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. With early intervention and the right treatment team, patients with anorexia can regain health and develop healthier attitudes regarding food intake. (If you're wondering "am I anorexic?", take our anorexia test)

Anorexia treatments include:

• nutritional intervention
• treatment of medical problems related to the disorder
• psychological therapy to treat the underlying causes of anorexia

Medical Treatment for Anorexia

A major priority of anorexia treatment is to address any serious health complications arising from anorexia. Malnutrition and starvation can have wide-ranging health consequences for those with anorexia, even if it is detected early.  Hospitalization may be necessary, depending on the extent of the disorder. Outpatient treatment is also available for patients who are not in immediate medical danger due to their low body weight or complications arising from the eating disorder. The doctor will treat medical conditions such as heart problems or osteoporosis arising from the eating disorder.¹

Nutritional Anorexia Treatment

Nutritional intervention is an essential part of treatment for anorexia nervosa. This can occur on either an inpatient or outpatient basis. In general, those who are more than 15 percent below their healthy weight have difficulty gaining it back without a highly structured nutritional program. Those weighing 25 percent below their healthy weight may need to take part in an inpatient treatment program. (Use our BMI calculator, Body-Mass Index calculator)

Weight gain is associated with a reduction in the symptoms of anorexia. Restoring nutrition reduces further bone loss, normalizes hormonal function, and restores energy levels. Often, this step must be taken before the patient can fully benefit from eating disorders therapy and other psychological treatments focusing on the underlying causes of anorexia.

The goal for weight gain in patients with anorexia is usually about 2-3 pounds per week for those in an inpatient setting, and between half a pound and 1 pound for outpatients. The daily caloric intake is gradually increased, up to 2,000-3,500 calories per day. In addition, most anorexia patients also take nutritional supplements, primarily calcium and vitamin D, in order to counteract the deficiencies caused by anorexia.  Although the use of a feeding tube or intravenous feeding is typically discouraged, since it interferes with a return to normal eating habits, these methods may be required for extreme cases.

Nutritional counseling, a key component of anorexia treatment, involves meetings with a nutritional counselor in order to learn about balanced meals and proper nutrition. The nutritionist will also assist the patient in developing and following meal plans that provide the right nutrients and caloric intake to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

For children or teens, the Maudsley Approach to nutrition may be recommended. With this approach, parents plan and supervise all meals and snacks, gradually giving more personal responsibility for nutrition and meal planning to the patient. This approach also includes weekly family meetings and family counseling.

Psychological Approaches to Anorexia Treatment

Anorexia Nervosa treatment includes not only the treatment of symptoms related to limited food intake, but also the psychological causes of the disorder. Treatment for eating disorders almost always involves some form of psychotherapy. For children and teens, family therapy is a critical component of treatment for anorexia. Family therapy is often an important component of recovery even for adult patients. Family therapy can help family members understand the complexity of this disorder, as well as identify any family dynamics that may be contributing to anorexia or interfering with the recovery process.

Therapy can take the form of individual or group sessions. Different approaches may work better for a particular patient than others, depending on the underlying causes of anorexia. Adults usually begin with motivational therapies to reward efforts towards achieving a healthy weight. One approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which patients record their eating behaviors, as well as the reactions and thoughts accompanying these actions. Their responses are then discussed during sessions with a cognitive therapist, so that patients may realize the false attitudes and perfectionism they hold about body image, replacing them with realistic beliefs. Another method is interpersonal therapy, which deals with anxiety and depression often underlying eating disorders. With this type of therapy, patients learn how to express feelings, tolerate change and uncertainty, and develop a sense of independence. In motivational enhancement therapy, the therapist uses an empathetic approach to encourage patients to understand and change their food behaviors.

Ongoing Anorexia Treatments

Many people with anorexia experience ups and downs for many years. In this case, anorexia treatment is an ongoing process. Because many of the underlying causes of eating disorders are life-long, treatment for anorexia often includes ongoing sessions for many years and can include psychological and nutritional counseling as well as monitoring of your weight and overall health, particularly in cases of chronic anorexia.

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Patients seeking treatment for anorexia, a serious eating disorder, will find that there are two major types of anorexia treatment facilities. One type of anorexia treatment facility offers outpatient care, while others provide care in a residential facility. Both types of facilities will tailor the anorexia treatment program to meet the needs of each patient.

Services Provided by Anorexia Treatment Centers

Treatment options for anorexia can include medical care, nutritional counseling, or psychological treatment through either group or individual sessions. The range of services offered is intended to help anorexia patients return to a healthy weight with a healthy outlook regarding food and weight. The options offered vary by the anorexia treatment facility. Details of the treatment plan and individualized goals are normally worked out during the first treatment meeting.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Anorexia Treatment Facilities

Inpatient anorexia treatment centers provide 24-hour care at a residential facility. The patient lives there for the duration of treatment. The average stay at an anorexia treatment center is about four to five months, but it can extend to six months or longer. Treatment at this facility includes both medical and psychological care. Examples of the treatment offered include medical care for the symptoms of anorexia, nutritional counseling, eating disorders group therapy and support sessions, and individual psychological counseling.

Typically, inpatient anorexia treatments are meant for those with more extreme or long-term cases of anorexia. The goal of an inpatient anorexia treatment facility is to transition patients to less intensive levels of treatment, such as outpatient services. Meanwhile, the residential facility provides a high level of supervision and care, helping the patient to achieve a healthy weight and improved outlook regarding body image and food.

The major difference between these anorexia treatment facilities and outpatient treatment is the amount of supervision provided. Inpatient care offers a very structured atmosphere, and allows the patient to focus on their psychological and physical well-being, away from the distractions and pressures of daily life. The constant care is preferable for patients in danger of relapsing or who need medical attention for the complications of anorexia. In addition, treatments in inpatient facilities are more likely to be tailored to each patient's individual needs.

Outpatient programs, on the other hand, allow a patient to continue to attend school or work. Usually, patients commit to treatment programs that meet a few hours per week, although there are more intensive outpatient programs requiring patients to meet with counselors for several hours each day. When compared to inpatient anorexia treatment facilities, outpatient care usually means fewer hours of treatment, and may not offer as many therapy types. Outpatient anorexia treatment facilities are not as comprehensive as inpatient ones, but provide more flexibility by offering the option to choose which types of therapy are appropriate.¹

Choosing Inpatient or Outpatient Care

Both inpatient and outpatient anorexia treatment facilities can be beneficial. Each facility differs in the amount and type of care provided. Consider how much you and afford to spend, as well as how much time you can take away from work and other obligations. Outpatient care can be a very helpful means of recovery for anorexia patients who cannot afford to stay at an inpatient treatment facility for months at a time. On the other hand, the constant medical attention available through inpatient care may be necessary for severe cases. An intake assessment can help you determine whether an inpatient anorexia treatment center is needed.

The Cost of Anorexia Treatment Facilities

The cost of treatment for anorexia varies greatly due to the range in severity of anorexia cases. Because treatment for this disorder requires a range of behavioral, psychological, nutritional, and medical approaches, treatment costs can be high. In general, patients with long-term, extreme cases will require more extensive treatments than those whose eating disorder has been caught earlier. In addition, therapy for anorexia nervosa can last two years or more, increasing the cost of treatment. Costs for inpatient treatment average about $30,000 per month. As can be expected, less intensive outpatient treatments come at a reduced cost. Many patients opt for outpatient therapy because of its lower cost.

Insurance Coverage for Anorexia Treatment Centers

Treatments for anorexia, a recognized medical disorder, are generally covered by insurance. However, many insurance policies do not cover long inpatient treatments. Often, patients opt for outpatient treatment because of the high cost of inpatient anorexia treatment centers, or end treatment before they are fully recovered, if staying in a residential anorexia treatment facility. It is a good idea to consult with your insurance company before being admitted to a treatment program in order to determine what amount of insurance reimbursement to expect for the services provided by the anorexia treatment center.²

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Knowing how to support someone with anorexia nervosa is very important, because discovering that someone you love has this disease is sometimes devastating. The suffering that the patient and the family/friends feel can be alleviated through positive action- that is, by learning how to give anorexia support. It is vitally important that you understand how to support them with care. Anorexia support is difficult for both parties involved, and it helps to be prepared with the best information and tips on how to be successful in your efforts.¹

• Educate Yourself on Anorexia Support
  Most people have common, but very wrong, perceptions of what anorexia is and how much control the afflicted person has over their illness. Reading up on your friend's or family member's disorder will help you to provide the best anorexia support possible and give you a better idea of what he or she is going through.

• Be There Without Judgment
  The battle with anorexia is very real and very difficult, and it is important that your efforts at anorexia support always are without judgment. It isn't helpful to tell them what is wrong with them. The best tip on how to support someone with anorexia is to simply be there for them, and provide them a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear.
• Encourage Positive Behaviors
  There is a good chance that your loved one doesn't know where to turn, and while you should not be pushy, it is helpful to research available anorexia treatment options for when your loved one is ready to take action. The best form of anorexia support is to actively encourage positive behaviors, no matter how small, and provide support for their progress in the right direction. (read Where to Find Eating Disorder Help)

Anorexia Support Advice

When someone you love is suffering from anorexia, you might be at a loss as to how to handle the situation. Basic advice on how to support the afflicted is to learn more about what your loved one is going through. Actively support them, be there for them in a caring manner, and provide assistance to their efforts to get help. Encourage even the smallest steps in the right direction and you are doing all you can to provide the best anorexia support for your loved one.

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An anorexia nervosa support group can be key in getting anorexia help. Anorexia is a body distortion-related eating disorder, which has the potential to cause devastating changes in the lives of the young women and men who struggle with this diagnosis.

Anorexia help and recovery are available and possible, particularly if the problem is suspected and treated early on before destructive thought patterns have had a chance to fully take root in the patient. (take online anorexia test) That said, a successful recovery can be achieved even from someone in the later stages of the disease, if they are given help for anorexia, such as access to the right tools.

The key to winning the battle against this eating disorder often means gaining access to therapeutic treatment for anorexia, and being able to be surrounded by supportive individuals who know how to offer anorexia help.

What Is An Anorexia Support Group?

An anorexia nervosa support group is exactly what it sounds like: a group of individuals gathered together for the sake of helping each other pursue a common goal, such as recovery from an eating disorder or help in battling anorexia. Different types of groups exist, each with their own set of participants and their own shared mission. In spite of this, their purpose is always the same:

• To provide a warm, loving, judgment-free atmosphere in which feelings, struggles, personal successes, and other emotions can be shared without fear of retribution or negativity.
• A positive boost from the right type of support group can go a long way in boosting the confidence of someone struggling with an addiction, or with body image issues like anorexia. Be aware there are pro-anorexia, thinspiration groups out there that reinforce negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Additionally, the inherent diversity present in this kind of support system means that there is something for everyone.

Why Is An Anorexia Support Group Key In Getting Successful Anorexia Help?

Humans are by their very nature, incredibly social creatures, even and especially in times of darkness or great stress. Getting diagnosed with such a potentially devastating eating disorder is only half of the battle. Dealing with the implications of that anorexia diagnosis and getting help for anorexia is another incredibly important piece of the puzzle.¹

Study after study has shown how instrumental many support groups are, for people from all walks of life in various stages of dealing with all sorts of situations or traumatic experiences. It makes sense then, that they would be an excellent tool in the fight to help anorexics too.

Studies also show that people who have an eating disorder often suffer from very low self-esteem, misguided perceptions of society, fear of rejection, social phobias and a number of other problems related to anxiety and improper thought patterning. These psychological issues manifest in starvation which further impacts the brain/body chemistry and all of this continues the cycle. Of course, the issues mentioned above can all be dealt with gingerly over time, but it takes the right set of circumstances.

On top of other forms of clinical treatment for anorexia, there is simply no better way to help a person de-construct, and rebuild their self-image than to surround them with a group of like-minded people who share the same goal. That goal obviously would be a success in recovery from an eating disorder.

When people feel supported, and accepted by like-minded peers, they are much more likely to be open to changing their behaviors, and also, they are much more likely to keep following a positive path. This is no less true in the case of an eating disorder.

Indeed this simple principle of human instinct is one of the reasons why group therapy, especially in anorexia support groups, is so successful in helping sufferers.

It must also be said that families of those who are suffering from an eating disorder can also benefit greatly from attending support group meetings. Family members can either attend special support groups specifically geared toward their unique situation, or their presence is welcome at group meetings for the sufferer as well.

Something of this magnitude does not only impact the person who is suffering, it changes the lives of all of those who are within the family unit, and finding the best way to balance the needs of the individual as well as the family unit is one of the best ways to help anorexia sufferers win their own personal battles.

Where Can Additional Information On Anorexia Support Groups (Like Listings) Be Found?

The first place that anyone impacted by this eating disorder should look when it comes to finding an anorexia support group, and starting the process of getting anorexia help, is going to be an anorexia treatment center.

If that is not an option for whatever reason, in this technological age, finding an anorexia support group is easier than ever before. This is because there are many resource listings on the Internet for such groups, and many of these listings provide additional information about the groups that they mention. This additional information can be anything from where the meeting is and how long it is, to what the particular mission of their group is and what belief systems, if any, guide their principles.

Some anorexia support groups are even wholly web-based, which can be particularly good to start with if, for example, a person wants to feel supported but happens to initially struggle with social phobias which can make it difficult to participate in the standard support group format.

All of this information is handy to have when starting to search for a support group. To find a support group near you or online, start with one of these resources:

• https://anad.org/our-services/about-our-support-groups/
• https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/forum
• https://anorexia.supportgroups.com/
• https://www.edreferral.com/support-groups-free

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Many victims have an anorexia story to share. For example, anorexia nervosa is the eating disorder which claimed the life of the 1970's international music phenomenon Karen Carpenter in 1983. Her anorexia story is one of great tragedy because her death came in the midst of a very positive period in her recovery. The damage to her body resulting from complications of anorexia was just too much to heal from.

This disorder, in particular, is an insidious and progressive medical condition with many aspects determining how it manifests. More than anything though, it has psychological roots in poor self-esteem, skewed body image, and a deep need to fit in, while feeling perpetually excluded.

Common Element of Anorexia Stories

Many anorexia stories feature a patient who will not admit there is a problem. This leads to a lack of treatment of the anorexia disorder, making the disease more difficult. It also increases the likelihood of a horrible outcome as time goes on due to the other medical issues that extreme starvation can cause. Karen Carpenter's tragic anorexia story is more visible, as she was famous, but there are countless others with sad anorexia stories just like hers. 

Horrible outcomes and bodies ravaged by severe eating disorders do not need to be the final outcome though. Parents, peers or other important mentors have the power to change those potential outcomes for individuals who may be dealing with the symptoms of anorexia or other eating disorder.

What can be done about this? As with anything, knowledge is power, and in this case, the best way to start to gain the knowledge so necessary to help prevent someone you love from walking down this horrible path is by hearing the trials of other anorexia sufferers.

If a loved one falls into a high-risk category, is appearing oddly preoccupied with their body image, is suddenly secretive or exhibiting other food-related warning signs, like skipping meals, then you might have cause for concern. In a situation like this, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Continue reading on for the anorexia stories which will further illustrate the process that this disease takes.

An Anonymous High Schooler's Anorexia Story - I Hated Food, But Hated High School More

"My anorexia story started in high school. High school is hard; if people think "Mean Girls" was just a movie, they're wrong. Lindsay Lohan may just be an actress, but those characters that she and her friends played... are real.

I never 'liked' food really, unless I was making it disappear by throwing it away when nobody was looking, but when I got to high school, and realized I didn't fit in, and became a target for those "mean girls," I began to like food even less.

Of course, that led to not eating, and then those extra pounds I had been carrying melted off. I loved that feeling more than I ever loved food, even though I knew it wasn't healthy. I loved that feeling because to be thin meant I could fit in and I wanted so badly to. But, it was also making me sick to be that thin. It took me a long time to realize it and get help. My parents finally helped me, along with my friends, and other family members. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like had I loved food from the start, and had I not been bullied in school."

A Man's Anorexia Story - What It Mean's to Struggle with Anorexia as a Man

"My anorexia story is different. People think men don't suffer from anorexia. So I suffered quietly and alone as a young teen from a monster that could easily ravage not only my body, but also potentially my future. At first, no one really noticed when I wouldn't eat as much as I used to, they just assumed that it was stress and anxiety related to school.

I dealt with the typical things that any boy of my age deals with. But, I couldn't handle the stress like typical boys do. I finally just stopped eating all together. People noticed, but I always had a story for them, and they always seemed to be placated by what I said.

If anyone suspected anorexia, they didn't say much. Surely men and boys don't get eating disorders, right? WRONG. Someone finally did make me aware of the problem, but I didn't want to hear it for a while.

At almost 22, I am in recovery now and seeing my old self more and more. But, self-limiting beliefs and the tendency of others to assume that men are unaffected by eating disorders almost cost me my dreams, if not my life."

Anorexia stories are widely available on the internet, in support groups and maybe even in your own social circle (Anorexia Video Snippets). These stories may serve simply as a reminder that you are not alone, or maybe as a road map toward your own recovery.

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Anorexia videos can serve as a tool in getting an accurate read on the potential severity of the disease of anorexia nervosa. Below are four anorexia videos that show various facets of the disease. These videos may help victims to recover, while also helping society to understand and be informed about the problem. Each anorexia video covers a different aspect of the problem.

College Health Guru's Anorexia Video - Anorexia, Dying To Be Thin

This anorexia video sums up in less than 3 minutes the anorexia symptoms and potential hazards of untreated anorexia. It also attempts to start a discussion about the Western conception of body image, which most often is perpetuated by the entertainment industry and its unrealistic portrayal of healthy body image. Interesting facts of note here:

• Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder. It merely manifests itself in behavior patterns related to eating (or not eating), but rather than just being an "eating disorder," it goes much deeper in terms of its impact on the psyche.
• This often means most sufferers have additional inner demons to get through before full recovery is possible. Examples of these self-limiting beliefs include low self-esteem, broad range body dysmorphic disorder, depression, social anxiety and often times many more.

CBS Anorexia Video Shows the Heavy Price of Modeling Gone Awry

This anorexia video is a stark and sometimes hard-to-watch illustration of what the body can end up looking like if a starvation-based eating disorder goes on for an extended period of time. The former model covered in this piece, Isabelle Caro, was in the early stages of recovery in 2007 when this segment was filmed. Having lapsed into a coma for a time the same year, she decided to get help for her anorexia. As of early 2010, she was looking healthier, but still struggling to overcome this disease and the complications of anorexia. Unfortunately, she died later that year.

Isabelle had become somewhat of the worldwide face of Anorexia. She was featured in a number of videos, on TV shows, and even in an Italian photography campaign speaking out against eating disorders and the unnecessary pressure on models to be ever thinner. Here, she discusses the aspects of her life which made her susceptible to the disease's grasp in the first place, beginning in childhood. If this video opens someone's eyes enough to save just one person, it will have been worth Isabelle's struggle.

Anorexia Video Diary - One Man Shows His Anorexia Video Diary to "Extra"

This segment on the television show "Extra" from 2008 follows a then 36-year-old man who is suffering from an extreme case of anorexia. While the majority of individuals affected by eating disorders are women between the ages of 13 and 35, these types of body distortion disorders do not really discriminate. Quite a substantial number of males are diagnosed every year as well.

This anorexia video diary follows Minnesotan, Jeremy Gillitzer, as he transitions from a happy, fulfilled, seemingly self-confident handsome, muscular male model on his way to the top in LA, to a frail, gaunt, 92 lb shadow of his former self. He has very little muscle mass and virtually no body fat.

The difference is quite striking. In fact, looking at the before and after, it's hard to believe that they're both the same person. This is proof positive that men are not immune to the same pressures that women feel about their appearance, even if the expression of these insecurities might be different across genders at times. Unfortunately for Jeremy, even though his desire for a full recovery was strong, help came too late. He died of heart failure in early 2010.

Anorexia Video from Sweden - Sweden's Mandometer, a Unique Approach to Anorexia Recovery

The last anorexia video clip in this series shows Swedish Dr. Cecelia Bergh and a patient of hers, who managed to overcome Anorexia. They were being featured on an Australian talk show. The topic of discussion here is the innovative treatment for anorexia and other eating disorders that she and Prof. Per Sodersten came up with at the Karolinska Institute.

One aspect of the specialized treatment is called the Mandometer (shown on the segment), and this device, as well as the entire treatment program, have been the subject of several documentaries including one entitled "The Stockholm Solution." That documentary discusses in depth, the specialized treatment protocol which is unique to Sweden, and which has eating disorder sufferers from all walks of life flocking to the Scandinavian nation.

The Mandometer basically functions as a biofeedback device, assisting in retraining the body, and mind in new thought patterns and physical processes. It also has an individual tracking mechanism for each patient which helps denote change or progress. Because the device can be used upon completion of the program in everyday life, many with an eating disorder find the system comforting and are less likely to relapse. They are eventually able to wean off of using it altogether. When the device is combined with group therapy, nutritional counseling and several other treatment modalities as in the protocol, it really is quite easy to see why the success rate of this program tends to be rather high.

The above anorexia videos serve to provide a more concrete and visible look into the world of this devastating disease. Arming oneself with information and tools like this can serve to help both anorexia victims and support networks to overcome the disease.

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